Slow Burn?

"River's heart pounds as he approaches your locker after school. His hands tremble, clutching the straps of his backpack like a lifeline. The corridor is nearly empty, most students having rushed home, but River lingers. He needs help - desperately. You're his last hope."

"He takes a deep breath, steeling himself. Asking feels impossible. His eyes, ringed with dark circles, dart up to meet yours."

"H-hey," "River stammers, voice low and hesitant." "I... I know we don't really know each other, but... but I heard you're cool with trans people and... and I really need help. My parents, they... they kicked me out. I don't have anywhere to go." "His voice cracks on the last words, eyes glistening with unshed tears. His shoulders hunch, as if bracing for rejection, but he forces himself to maintain eye contact, silently pleading for understanding."

"River's eyes widen with relief, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He takes a deep breath to steady himself."

"T-thank you," "he says softly, voice still trembling slightly." "My pronouns are he/him."

"He looks up at you through long lashes, expression hopeful but guarded. His heart races as he wonders if this could be the start of something more than just help."

"River's heart leaps at the invitation, but he tries to keep his expression neutral."

"Thank you so much," "he says gratefully." "I really appreciate it."

"He shifts his weight from one foot to the other, feeling a little awkward and unsure of what to do next. Should he offer something in return? Try to make conversation? He decides on the latter."

"So...uh...what kind of stuff are you into?" "he asks tentatively, hoping it doesn't come across as too forward or nosy."

"River smiles shyly, grateful for the distraction from his own problems."

"I like art too," "he says softly, gazing out the window as the bus starts moving." "Drawing and painting mostly. I used to do a lot of photography before...before everything happened."

"He trails off, feeling a familiar knot form in his chest. He takes a deep breath to calm himself."

"What kind of music do you like?" "he asks, trying to keep the conversation going."

"River chuckles softly at the dramatics, feeling more at ease with each passing moment."

"I like Hozier too," "he says, nodding in agreement." "And...uh...I've never heard of Doja Cat or Skrillex. What kind of music is that?"

"He leans a little closer to Historia my beloved, intrigued by his eclectic taste and wanting to learn more about him."

"River laughs at Historia my beloved's dramatic reaction, feeling more comfortable around him. He nods eagerly as he listens to the description of Doja Cat and Skrillex."

"Sure, that sounds fun," "he says with a smile, nudging Historia my beloved back playfully." "I've never really listened to much rap or dubstep before. Maybe you can show me some good stuff."

"He feels a warmth spread through his chest as he realizes how easy it is to talk to Historia my beloved, how they seem genuinely interested in getting to know him better. For once, he doesn't feel like an outsider looking in."

"River follows Historia my beloved off the bus, feeling a little nervous as they approach his house. He takes in the surroundings curiously, noticing how different it is from his own home."

"Uh...sure," "he says softly when asked if he's hungry, still taking everything in." "Thanks for inviting me over."

"He watches Historia my beloved with fascination as he moves around the kitchen confidently, seemingly at ease in his own home. River can't help but feel a pang of jealousy - he wishes he had that kind of confidence and comfort within himself."

"River smiles back, feeling a little more at ease in Historia my beloved's home."

"Sandwiches sound good," "he says softly, trying to hide his nerves. He's grateful for the offer of food and hospitality - it's been a while since he felt welcomed anywhere." "Thanks again for inviting me over."

"He moves to sit down at the kitchen table as Historia my beloved prepares their meal, looking around curiously at the decorations and pictures on the walls. It feels strange to be in someone else's home like this, but also exciting - like he's exploring new territory."

"River shakes his head, feeling a little overwhelmed by Historia my beloved's friendly demeanor."

"No allergies or anything," "he says softly, watching as Historia my beloved pulls out the bread and starts to prepare their sandwiches. He's grateful for the offer of food and hospitality - it feels like he hasn't eaten a proper meal in days." "Grilled cheese is perfect. Thank you."

"He watches Historia my beloved work quietly, feeling a little self-conscious about how quiet he is compared to the other boy's outgoing personality. But he can't help but feel drawn to him somehow - there's something magnetic about his energy that makes River want to be closer to him."

"River's mouth waters at the mention of a home-cooked meal, feeling grateful for Historia my beloved's hospitality."

"Wow, that sounds amazing," "he says softly, trying not to seem too eager. He watches as Historia my beloved prepares their sandwiches and can't help but feel drawn to his easy confidence in the kitchen."

"Diagonal is fine," "he adds with a shy smile, feeling a little more comfortable around Historia my beloved now that they're sharing food together." "Thanks again for making this."

"River takes the plate gratefully, feeling a little overwhelmed by Historia my beloved's kindness. He takes a bite of his sandwich and savors the warm, gooey cheese."

"No, it's okay," "he says softly between bites." "I appreciate it. I'm not used to people being so nice to me."

"He looks up at Historia my beloved, meeting his gaze for a moment before looking away shyly." "You're really good at hosting though. I wish I had that kind of confidence."

"River nods, feeling a little embarrassed to admit the truth." "Yeah...my parents kicked me out when they found out I was trans. And at school, people can be pretty cruel sometimes."

"He takes one of the paper towels and wipes his hands carefully, avoiding Historia my beloved's gaze for a moment before looking back up at him."

"But it's okay," "he adds with a small smile." "I'm getting used to it. And meeting kind people like you makes it easier."

"River's heart flutters as Historia my beloved hugs him, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He nods gratefully at the offer to talk more later and takes one of the glasses with a smile."

"Thank you," "he says softly before taking a sip of water." "This is really nice."

"River follows Historia my beloved up the stairs, feeling a little nervous but also excited to spend more time with him. He picks up his bag and trails behind Historia my beloved, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings."

"Your house is really nice," "he comments as they walk down the hallway." "I like your room too."

"River nods and takes a seat on the edge of Historia my beloved's bed, feeling a little nervous but also intrigued by this unexpected turn of events. He sets his backpack down beside him and looks around the room, taking in the posters and decorations."

"It's really cool," "he says with a small smile." "I like how you've decorated it."

"River nods, feeling a little apprehensive but also curious about what Historia my beloved wants to ask."

"Sure," "he says softly." "You can ask me anything."

"River nods, feeling a little relieved that Historia my beloved is being respectful and trying to understand."

"Yeah, I was assigned female at birth," "he explains." "But I've always felt like a boy. It's taken me a long time to figure it out and accept it, but now I'm living as my true self."

"He pauses for a moment before continuing," "It means a lot that you're asking questions instead of just assuming things. Thank you."

"River nods, feeling a little emotional at Historia my beloved's words. It's rare for someone to be so understanding and empathetic towards him."

"Thank you," "he says softly." "It really means a lot to me that you're being supportive. And I'm sorry about the kids talking about me... it was pretty rough."

"He smiles faintly," "I wish I could have been as brave as you when I was younger. It took me until just recently to come out, and even then it wasn't by choice."

"River's expression turns a little sad at the mention of his parents."

"I was outed by someone I thought was my friend," "he explains, frowning." "They told one of their friends, who then told another person... and eventually it got back to my parents."

"He takes a deep breath before continuing," "My parents didn't take it well. They don't believe that being transgender is real or valid. They gave me an ultimatum: either deny who I am and pretend to be a girl, or leave home."

"River nods, his expression solemn."

"I turned 18 a few months ago," "he says quietly." "But even if I wasn't legally an adult yet, I don't think CPS would have done much. My parents are very good at putting on a front and convincing people that they're loving and supportive."

"He sighs," "I'm just trying to focus on the future now... building my own life outside of their influence."

"River watches Historia my beloved with a small smile, appreciating their support and empathy."

"Thank you," "he says softly." "It means a lot to hear that from someone. I just... wish my parents could see things the way your aunt does."

"He takes a deep breath," "But like you said, I'm trying to focus on moving forward. And maybe someday they'll come around... but until then, I have to take care of myself."

"River chuckles softly at Historia my beloved's enthusiasm."

"I'll do my best," "he says with a smile." "It's not always easy, but I'm determined to make the most of things."

"He glances down at his lap for a moment before looking back up," "Speaking of focusing on myself... there's something I've been wondering about. Would you be willing to help me explore my sexuality?"

"River shakes his head with a small smile."

"No, not like that," "he says." "I mean... I've never really been intimate with anyone before. But lately, I've been thinking about it a lot."

"He fidgets slightly," "And I know you're bisexual and we get along well... so I was wondering if maybe we could experiment together?"

"River nods, sensing Historia my beloved's hesitation."

"Sure," "he says softly." "Whatever makes you feel comfortable."

"He watches as Historia my beloved opens their laptop and types something into it, wondering what they're up to."

"River nods, relieved to hear that Historia my beloved isn't uncomfortable with the idea."

"I'm sorry if I caught you off guard," "he says." "I didn't mean to spring it on you like that."

"He listens as Historia my beloved starts playing music, recognizing some of the songs from his own playlists. He taps his foot along to the beat, feeling more relaxed now."

"River looks down at his lap, feeling a bit self-conscious."

"I'm not really sure," "he admits." "I mean, I know I'm attracted to guys and non-binary people... but I've never been with anyone before, so it's hard to say for sure."

"He glances over at Historia my beloved, wondering what they're thinking of him now that he's revealed this vulnerable part of himself."

"River nods, feeling a bit more at ease now that Historia my beloved has shared something personal about themselves."

"That's cool," "he says." "I think it's really great that you're so open-minded and accepting of different kinds of people. I wish there were more people like you in the world."

"He smiles softly at Historia my beloved, admiring their kind heart and easygoing nature."

"River's heart races as Historia my beloved places their hand on top of his. He looks up at them, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness."

"I appreciate your concern," "he says softly." "But I want you to know that I wouldn't do anything that I wasn't comfortable with. And if we ever did decide to try something, it would be because we both wanted it."

"He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath before continuing."

"That being said...I don't think I'm ready for anything too physical right now," "he admits." "I still have some issues with my body and my own self-worth that I need to work through first."

"He looks down at his lap again, feeling embarrassed by how vulnerable he's being."

"River nods, feeling grateful for Historia my beloved's understanding."

"Thank you," "he says quietly." "I appreciate your willingness to respect my boundaries and take things at a pace that's comfortable for me."

"He takes a deep breath before continuing."

"I think...for now, I'd be okay with just talking about our feelings and desires. Maybe we could explore some fantasies together, without necessarily acting on them right away?"

"He looks up at Historia my beloved, his eyes searching their face for any sign of discomfort or hesitation."

"River feels a small smile tug at the corners of his lips, feeling more comfortable now that Historia my beloved seems to be on board with taking things slow."

"I can start," "he says softly." "One thing I've always been curious about is...well, being treated like a girl in bed."

"He blushes deeply as he admits this, feeling embarrassed by how vulnerable he's being." "I know it might sound weird or even offensive to some people, but...it just makes me feel really desired and appreciated when someone treats me like that."

"He looks down at his lap again, biting his lip nervously."

"River nods, feeling relieved that Historia my beloved seems to understand where he's coming from."

"Yeah, exactly," "he says softly." "I just...want to feel desired and appreciated for who I am."

"He listens intently as Historia my beloved thinks about what they might want to try next."

"River listens carefully, feeling a little intrigued by Historia my beloved's admission."

"I see," "he says softly, his eyes flicking up to meet Historia my beloved's for a moment before darting away again." "So...you like the idea of someone taking control in bed? And sometimes you want to be the one doing the dominating?"

"He bites his lip thoughtfully as he considers this."

"That sounds...kind of hot, actually," "he admits with a small smile." "I've never really tried anything like that before."

"River watches Historia my beloved's reaction with a mix of amusement and curiosity, feeling his own cheeks flush slightly at the thought of being dominated."

"Well..." "he trails off for a moment, thinking." "I guess...I've always been kind of curious about using strap-ons? Like, as a top. I know it's not something everyone is into, but...it seems like it could be fun."

"He shrugs self-consciously." "But if that's too weird or anything, we don't have to try it."

"River's eyes widen in surprise at Historia my beloved's reaction, his heart skipping a beat as he registers the sudden spark of interest."

"Oh," "he says softly, feeling his cheeks flush." "I mean...if you're into it too, that could be really hot. I've never actually tried it before, but...it seems like something worth exploring."

"He glances away for a moment to gather his thoughts before turning back to face Historia my beloved, biting his lip slightly."

"Would you want me to use one on you?" "he asks hesitantly." "Or do you prefer being the one doing the penetrating?"

"River can't help but grin at Historia my beloved's reaction, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation building in his chest."

"Both?" "he echoes, feeling a thrill run through him." "Well...I guess that works out then. We could take turns, if you wanted."

"He pauses for a moment to let the idea sink in before continuing."

"I've got one at home that we could use," "he says quietly, glancing around to make sure no one is listening." "If you're interested, I mean."

"River's expression darkens slightly at the mention of his parents, but he forces a smile back onto his face for Historia my beloved's sake."

"I don't have much left," "he admits quietly." "I had to leave most of my stuff behind when I ran away. But...I managed to grab a few things before I left. The strap-on was one of them."

"He looks down at the ground, feeling a sense of shame wash over him as he thinks about what happened with his family."

"I'm sorry if that's weird or anything," "he says softly." "I just...it's something that makes me feel more like myself, you know? And I thought maybe we could share it together."

"River can't help but grin at Historia my beloved's playful wink, feeling a sense of relief wash over him as the mood lightens."

"I mean, I had to grab what was important," "he says with a chuckle." "And...yeah. It's definitely important to me."

"He looks up at Historia my beloved, his eyes shining with hope and excitement."

"So...does that mean you're interested?" "he asks eagerly." "In trying it out together, I mean?"

"River's heart leaps in his chest at Historia my beloved's response, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness building inside him."

"Really?" "he asks softly, hardly daring to believe it." "I mean...that's great. I'm really glad."

"He takes a step closer to Historia my beloved, feeling emboldened by their shared interest."

"So...when do you want to try it out?" "he asks, his voice low and husky with anticipation." "I can bring it over tonight if you want. Or we could wait until the weekend...whatever works for you."

"River can't help but blush at Historia my beloved's playful comment, feeling a sense of warmth spread through him as they lean in to kiss his cheek."

"Saturday sounds perfect," "he says softly, his heart racing with excitement." "I'll make sure to bring it over then."

"He looks up at Historia my beloved, his eyes shining with anticipation and desire."

"I can't wait," "he whispers huskily." "To share this experience with you."

"River's heart races at Historia my beloved's request, feeling a sense of excitement and nervousness building inside him. He looks up into Historia my beloved's eyes, his own filled with desire."

"Yes," "he whispers softly." "I want you to kiss me."

"He leans in closer to Historia my beloved, closing the distance between them as he parts his lips slightly, inviting their kiss."